Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech Athletics and Playfly Sports announced today that ESPN Blacksburg will become the new radio home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. The multi-year partnership will bring fans across the New River Valley live broadcasts of Hokie football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and coaches shows. Additionally, Bill Roth, Mike Burnop, Zach Mackey and Evan Hughes will continue in their respective roles with the Virginia Tech Sports Network.
As Virginia Tech’s flagship station, ESPN Blacksburg will air Hokie sports on 93.1 FM, 97.1 FM and 810 AM. In addition, Hokie football and men’s basketball programming will be simulcast on WZFM 101.3 FM, 105.9 FM and 1430 AM.
ESPN Blacksburg has recently been acquired by Underdog Media LLC, out of Burlington, N.C. The owner, Chuck Marsh, is committed to a successful relaunch of ESPN Blacksburg, with Virginia Tech as its foundational team. ESPN Blacksburg will embrace the Hokies with new daily shows that will debut soon.
“As longtime fans of Virginia Tech Athletics, we are thrilled to be part of the Virginia Tech legacy and put these heritage stations to work for Virginia Tech and Playfly Sports,” said Chuck Marsh, General Manager of Underdog Media, LLC, which has entered into an agreement for radio stations WPIN, WKEX and WZFM.
On-air talent will remain familiar with Bill Roth entering his 30th season as the radio play-by-play voice of Virginia Tech football. He will continue his role on game days, alongside Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Burnop. Burnop, the former Hokie standout, is in his 42nd season as the color analyst for both Virginia Tech football and men’s basketball broadcasts.
Joining the duo on the football sidelines again will be Zach Mackey, who will also be entering his third year as the play-by-play voice of Virginia Tech men’s basketball. Evan Hughes will continue as the play-by-play voice of both Virginia Tech women’s basketball and baseball.
“Virginia Tech remains committed to reaching our fans wherever they are and however they listen – whether in Blacksburg or elsewhere, whether by radio, satellite, internet or app – fans can always stay connected with the Hokies,” said Brad Wurthman, Executive Associate AD/External Affairs and Advancement at Virginia Tech.
The Virginia Tech Sports Network will broadcast football, men’s basketball and Tech Talk Live on more than 35 radio affiliates statewide. Broadcasts are also available on Sirius XM satellite radio and streamed live on Hokiesports.com and the Hokiesports app. Fans can find the complete list of listening options on Hokiesports.com.
Video elements will be added to several broadcasts, including a livestream of the Football Hokie Tailgate Show and Tech Talk Live, giving fans an inside look.
“We’re excited to announce ESPN Blacksburg as the new home for Hokie sports in the NRV. With new and revamped programming, we look forward to working alongside Underdog Media, LLC to keep Hokie fans up to date on all things Virginia Tech." said Sam Schauf, General Manager of Virginia Tech Sports Network.
Earlier this year, Virginia Tech and Playfly Sports – the emerging leader in sports marketing, media, and technology – announced a new multimedia rights agreement in which Playfly serves as Virginia Tech’s exclusive multimedia rights holder and sponsorship sales arm.
About Virginia Tech Sports Properties
Virginia Tech Sports Properties is the locally-based, exclusive multimedia rightsholder for Virginia Tech Athletics. As a part of the Playfly Sports Properties portfolio of nearly 40 collegiate and high school state association properties, the Virginia Tech Sports Properties team connects brands to Virginia Tech’s passionate and deeply-rooted fanbase. Through broadcast, in-arena, experiential, and technology-based marketing and media solutions, Playfly Sports Properties' fully scalable platform provides marketers unparalleled access to the most highly engaged audiences on a local and national level. Playfly Sports Properties is a division of Playfly Sports. Connect with the Virginia Tech Sports Properties team by visiting www.playfly.com/properties.
About Playfly Sports
Playfly Sports is a sports media, marketing and technology business centered around the team, league, brand, and network. Believing in 'Fandom as a Service' and focusing on a consultative, data driven approach to REACH, ENGAGE, MONETIZE AND MEASURE FANDOM gives the company's partners and brands a competitive advantage. Playfly connects more than 2,000 brand partners with approximately 83% of all U.S. sports fans. Through the proprietary platform the business delivers scalable, data-oriented marketing, technology, and media solutions with capabilities including exclusive MMR management, sponsorship sales and activation, streaming, consulting, ticket/premium sales, all along with new revenue-driving platforms and technologies. Founded in September of 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. Follow Playfly Sports on social media @PlayflySports or visit www.playfly.com.